Interim Head of People, Place & Regulation (Legal)
Day Rate: Up to £800 per day (DOE)
Contract: Full‑time, 3‑month rolling interim assignment (while permanent recruitment takes place)
Location: North West (Hybrid)
Employer: Large Public Sector Legal Service
About the Organisation
Join one of the largest shared public‑sector legal services in the UK, delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money legal support to multiple councils and public‑sector clients. This high‑performing service handles varied and meaningful work, including complex, high‑profile legal matters that directly impact local communities. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal leader to make a significant difference during a period of organisational transition.
The Interim Role
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Interim Head of People, Place & Regulation (PPR) to provide strategic and operational leadership across five specialist legal teams:
- Community Law (Adults’ Social Care & Education)
- Employment Law (Employment & HR)
- Housing & Neighbour Nuisance
- Litigation (Claims & Debt Recovery)
- Regulatory & Enforcement (Prosecutions, Licensing & Enforcement)
This is a full‑time interim role offered on a 3‑month rolling basis, providing strong leadership and continuity while the organisation recruits permanently into the role. You will report to the Assistant Director and act as the Deputy Senior Responsible Officer for the PPR Group.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead operational management across five legal teams, ensuring consistent service performance.
- Oversee cross‑cutting initiatives and collaborative projects within Legal Services.
- Manage a personal caseload of high‑value, complex and sensitive legal matters.
- Ensure LEXCEL compliance across all teams within the PPR Group.
- Co‑manage risk registers, identifying political, reputational and high‑value risks.
- Support income target monitoring and financial oversight.
- Lead staff development, performance management and progression across the service.
- Communicate clearly with senior stakeholders, including elected members and external partners.
- Apply strategic, commercial and innovative thinking to service challenges.
- Promote equality, diversity, fairness and strong leadership behaviours.
About You
Essential Experience & Expertise
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FCILEx with litigation rights.
- Extensive experience in at least one relevant area within the PPR group.
- Proven experience in senior legal leadership within a large, complex organisation.
- Strong track record of managing sensitive, high-profile client relationships.
- Demonstrable ability to oversee complex workloads and legal operations.
- Strong understanding of national policy and its implications for local government.
Leadership Skills
- Strategic thinker with strong political and organisational awareness.
- Collaborative leader capable of motivating multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communicator, able to build trust quickly and effectively.
- Creative problem‑solver with an innovative mindset.
- Demonstrates inclusive leadership and strong public‑sector values.
Why Take on This Interim Position?
- Lead talented legal teams in a respected public‑sector environment.
- Provide stability and direction while the permanent recruitment process takes place.
- Influence wide‑ranging People, Place and Regulatory legal services.
- Hybrid working with organisational flexibility.
- Competitive day rate up to £800 DOE.
Apply Now
If you’re an experienced senior legal professional looking for a high‑impact interim leadership role, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Olivia Venn
olivia.venn@reed.com
0300 373 4075
